Spanish 11 year old ‘Voice’ Contestant Dies

An 11-year-old contestant on the Spanish version of The Voice passed away on Tuesday in Valencia, her parents confirmed.

Iraila Torres had been suffering from cancer for the last four years.

She had been a contestant on La Voz Kids, the children´s version of the TV talent show, breaking down in tears when she was picked for the next round.

It was one of the most emotional moments of the show when Iraila was chosen to continue to the next stage. The youngster broke down in tears when all three of the show’s celebrity coaches – Spanish singers Malú, David Bisbal and Rosario Flores – turned round in their seats to pick her for their teams.

Iraila decided to go with Malú. The singer offered her condolences on Twitter upon hearing of her protégée’s death.

She said: “Once again death shows itself in its most unfair form… Iraila my love, the angels are waiting for you… Rest in peace.”

Bisbal also expressed his sadness. “I am very moved and speechless over the death of Iraila,” the pop star wrote on Twitter. He also said: “Courage and strength to her family.”

Iraila´s performances during the singing competition were recorded last July when she was still healthy. Telecinco had been due to broadcast her appearance in the show’s second-round this Thursday.

Upon hearing the news, Telecinco released the following statement: “At this time, representatives of [show producers] Mediaset España and Boomerang TV are travelling to Valencia to express their condolences to Iraila’s parents […] and listen to their wishes with respect to her presence in the contest, which was recorded several months ago.”